Japanese Social Media & The Rise of Nativist Extremism
The global rise of social media sites has paralleled that of modern right-wing extremism. In Japan, new online groups, called netto-uyoku or “internet rightists,” are forming at an alarming rate and their rhetoric is sounding more and more like that of the West. In this paper, I make several arguments on why social media sites are disturbingly effective at radicalization (2021)
[PROPOSAL] POLITICS DURING THE “GOLDEN AGE OF PIRACY’
Why do certain countries produce significantly more pirates than others? A comparison of maritime activity and European political states during the “Golden Age of Piracy” could lead to answers. The outcome of this proposed research can be used to combat rising levels of modern-day piracy, which is a major issue off the coasts of Southeast Asia and Africa. (2014)
ImpactS of THE Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum) in the US [CONDENSED]
An abridged version of ethnobotanical report on Papaver somniferum and its impacts on the US. This condensed report includes a brief botanical and historical overview for context, but primarily orients itself towards the critical findings and “bottom lines” in order to be more accessible to a wider audience such as healthcare professionals or policy makers. Full Text Here (2020)
IMPACTS OF THE OPIUM POPPY (PAPAVER SOMNIFERUM) IN THE US [FULL PAPER]
A brief introduction to the botanics and history of the Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum) followed by an extensive review on the economic, political, social, and cultural effects it’s had on 21st century America. (2017)
CANE TO COCKTAIL: AN ANALYSIS OF THE RUM COMMODITY CHAIN
A critical look at the production and consumption of rum as a major historical and global commodity, as well as its impacts on both peoples and places. (2017)
MEDIEVAL MODERNS: THE PARADOX OF CHESTERTON & LEWIS
What an oxymoron it is, the term “medieval modern.” If being modern means rejecting the relics of medievalism, then how can one be both? In this essay, I review the works of G.K. Chesterton and C.S. Lewis to deconstruct the medieval-modern dichotomy. (2016)
STORYMAP: TERRORISM IN JAPAN IN THE 21st CENTURY
Terrorist attacks have dramatically increased since the turn of the century. I examine this trend within Japan using data from the University of Maryland’s Global Terrorism Database (GTD). Through a series of maps, images, and articles I tell the story of where, why, and how these attacks are occurring in Japan (2021)
ONE PILL, TWO PILL, RED PILL, BLUE PILL: WHAT IS REALITY?
In 1999, The Matrix captivated audiences with a simple yet thought provoking notion: What if our “reality” was only a simulation? Does a second reality negate the importance our own? How can we be sure “reality” is real? With support of C.S. Lewis, Chesterton, Plato, and more, I take a deep dive into metaphysics and epistemology. (2016)
EFFECTS OF INVASIVE CLUSIA ROSEA IN HAWAI’I
The state of Hawai’i has strict agricultural regulations regarding imported plants, but unfortunately, many problematic species have already arrived. I investigate one such species, Clusia rosea, to determine the botanical and social systems that have allowed it to penetrate and decimate the islands. (2015)
